CPI(M) demands judicial inquiry in army firing incident

Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI(M) today condemned the killing of two youths allegedly in Army firing in Bandipora district of north Kashmir and demanded a time-bound judicial inquiry into the incident to bring the culprits to justice.

"We strongly condemn Markundal-Sumbal firing incident which led to death of two youths of the area. Such appalling incidents have the potential of fuelling alienation and dealing a blow to peace efforts," state secretary of CPI(M) M Y Tarigami said in a statement.

He said the killings have come as a shock and the public outrage following the incident is understandable.

"These unprovoked incidents are a brazen violation of democratic norms which can only prove counter-productive," he said.

He asked the government to immediately order a time-bound judicial inquiry into the incident. "Those responsible for the heinous act should be identified and brought to book." Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Tarigami said, "No words can assuage the grief of the families of those killed in the incident."

He urged the government to put across a strong message that such uncalled-for incidents create an atmosphere of insecurity and fear among the people.

"Those responsible for the reprehensible act must be immediately taken to task to restore the shattered public confidence," he said.